Principal Ecologist / Associate Director – Ecology (Newcastle upon Tyne)
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom
Job ID: #41729
About the Opportunity
We are looking for an experienced and driven Principal Ecologist or Associate Director to join our Newcastle team and take on a pivotal leadership role within our UK ecology business. You will work across an impressive portfolio of projects for clients including Northumbrian Water, Local Authorities, Environment Agency, National Grid, Network Rail & National Highways, while playing a central role in shaping the future of our ecology offering.
Responsibilities
- Help steer the strategic direction of the team, contributing to wider UK ecology leadership
- Act as a trusted advisor – the go‑to expert for clients, stakeholders and regulators
- Lead high‑value client relationships and represent Jacobs externally
- Drive team growth, resilience and performance through strong, empathetic leadership
- Oversee and guide EIA, Habitats Regulations Appraisal and biodiversity strategies
- Design and lead ecological monitoring programmes and survey strategies
- Work across disciplines to deliver integrated, innovative project solutions
- Play a key role in identifying, bidding and winning new work
- Champion the team internally, raising its profile across the wider business
Qualifications
- Strong background in terrestrial ecology with significant industry experience
- Chartered status (or ready to achieve it)
- Strategic mindset, with the ability to contribute to senior leadership decisions
- Proven experience in line management, mentoring and developing teams
- Strong client‑facing skills and confidence engaging with stakeholders and regulators
- Willingness to travel across the UK and Ireland when needed
- Proactive, hands‑on leadership style with strong self‑awareness
- Ability to adapt and thrive across diverse, complex projects
Benefits
- Competitive salary reflecting your skills and experience
- 24 days holiday plus the option to buy a further 10 days
- Robust pension contributions up to 10%
- Comprehensive health coverage with options to add partner and family
- Employee networks supporting diverse backgrounds
- Family planning support including fertility healthcare
- Enhanced parental leave pay and free membership to support programmes
- Income protection for long‑term illness or injury
- Free wellbeing app access such as Calm and Daily Burn
- Professional development – cover professional membership fees and CPD opportunities
- Community engagement – charity matched‑funding, paid volunteering time, and charitable donations
As a disability confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.
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